Gulf countries are increasingly turning to Turkish air defence solutions as regional security concerns continue to rise. The growing threat posed by Iranian drones, loitering munitions and low-altitude aerial systems has pushed countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Iraq to search for faster, more flexible and operationally proven defence systems. In this context, Turkish-made air defence and anti-drone technologies have emerged as an important alternative.

The regional security environment has changed significantly due to ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Although Gulf countries already operate advanced systems against ballistic missile threats, Iranian long-range drones and low-altitude aerial platforms have exposed the need for more layered air defence architectures. This has increased demand for systems capable of countering kamikaze drones, FPV drones, cruise missiles and low-flying aerial threats.

Interest from Gulf countries and Iraq in Turkish defence products became more visible during SAHA 2026. According to reports, Kuwait signed an intergovernmental sales protocol covering the procurement of military systems from Turkish defence companies including ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, Baykar, Otokar and Yonca Shipyard. Kuwait is said to be particularly interested in Baykar’s AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle and the HİSAR air defence system, which is designed to counter short- and medium-altitude threats.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also reportedly interested in Turkish anti-drone solutions. Defence industry sources claim that the two countries signed contracts for ASELSAN’s KORKUT 100/25 air defence system. The KORKUT 100/25 is designed to use 25 mm smart ammunition against threats such as FPV drones and wire-guided drones. Saudi Arabia is also reported to be evaluating laser-guided anti-drone systems that can be integrated onto small vehicles and were introduced at SAHA 2026.

Iraq’s interest further shows that Turkish air defence technologies are gaining traction beyond the Gulf. Iraq’s Deputy Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Saad Harbiye, reportedly stated that his country is close to completing the procurement of 20 air defence systems. Sources close to the matter suggest these systems are likely KORKUT anti-drone vehicles. This indicates that Türkiye’s low-altitude air defence and counter-drone systems are becoming increasingly relevant in different regional threat environments.

One of the main factors behind this shift is the long delivery timeline of Western air defence systems such as Patriot and THAAD. Gulf countries are looking for solutions that can be delivered faster, integrated more easily into existing defence architectures and adapted to specific operational requirements. Turkish defence companies offer advantages such as shorter delivery schedules, flexible configuration options, possible local cooperation and experience gained from systems used in real operational environments.

However, Türkiye is not yet seen as a full replacement for high-end ballistic missile defence systems. Long-range air defence projects such as SİPER are still expected to mature further before becoming a direct alternative to systems designed specifically for ballistic missile interception. Even so, Turkish systems such as HİSAR, KORKUT, radar solutions, electronic warfare systems and anti-drone technologies can address urgent needs in low-altitude and drone defence.

The increasing use of drones, kamikaze UAVs, FPV systems and cruise missiles in modern conflicts has made layered air defence more important than ever. Gulf countries’ interest in Turkish systems reflects this broader transformation in regional defence planning. Türkiye’s field-tested technologies, cost-effective solutions and willingness to pursue industrial cooperation make Ankara an increasingly attractive partner in the region.

This growing interest also creates a strategic opportunity for Turkish defence exports. Potential agreements with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Iraq could strengthen Türkiye’s position in the Gulf defence market. More importantly, it shows that Türkiye is becoming not only a platform exporter but also a regional solution partner in air defence architecture, radar systems, command and control, electronic warfare and anti-drone technologies.